Oxford Street's first pedestrian zone opens to traffic

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 26 Oct, 07:01 · Archive

A stretch of Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street became traffic-free on Monday.

Almost a kilometre of Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street became traffic-free on Monday as the first phase of a long-awaited pedestrianisation scheme got under way. Buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, bicycles, scooters and pedicabs are now diverted away from the stretch. Deliveries can still be made between midnight and 7am, and emergency services retain access at all times.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan hailed the change as 'a truly momentous occasion for the capital'. He said he hoped the scheme would revitalise the street, boost economic growth and attract visitors. Oxford Street receives roughly half a million visitors each day and generates annual spending of around £3.1 billion.

Plans to reduce traffic on Oxford Street have been proposed for decades. Khan first proposed pedestrianising it as part of his 2016 mayoral programme, and a detailed consultation followed in 2017, but Westminster City Council withdrew its support and the scheme was abandoned. Khan revived the idea in September 2024 when he announced a wider transformation of the street, including creation of an Oxford Street Development Corporation. A public consultation in early 2025 saw 66 per cent of respondents support the principle of pedestrianisation. Westminster City Council has previously raised concerns about displaced traffic and potential increases in noise and pollution on surrounding streets.

How it is being reported

• What will a pedestrianised Oxford Street mean for transport?A stretch of Britain’s most famous shopping street is to be vehicle-free as part of £150m government-backed scheme Much of Britain’s most famous shopping street will be closed to traffic from Monday as the long-awaited pedestrianisation of London’s Oxford Street begins. About half of the 1.2 mile street will initially be vehicle-free, after decades of planning and dispute over how to best use the street, an important transport thoroughfare and the home for flagship stores for big shopping chains. Continue reading...Guardian Business · 26 Oct, 07:00
• Mapped: All the bus route changes as Oxford Street traffic-free revolution beginsBus routes are now diverted onto surrounding roadsEvening Standard · 26 Oct, 06:57
• Oxford Street pedestrianisation plan comes into play as critics warn of 'rushed' changesThe last bus stopped running on Sunday nightThe Independent · 26 Oct, 06:44
• Oxford Street pedestrianisation: All the new traffic restrictionsOxford Street pedestrianisation is finally here - everything you need to knowEvening Standard · 26 Oct, 06:30

In this story: Sadiq Khan · Oxford Street · Westminster City Council · London

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